001Good evening and welcome to the December 16th Ashlin Board of Health meeting. And I'm going to call the meeting to order at 6:04 uh p.m. And the first thing on the agenda is citizens participation. Do we have any citizens to participate? Hi, I'm CC Ducet, 31 Fatima Drive, and I've spoken before this board in the past regarding the biological effects of today's wireless technology. There are a couple of important updates I wanted to give you tonight. The first is that the FCC and the telecom industry are fasttracking measures at the federal level. The FCC has an open docket and I'm going to leave you with some materials asking that you put information into the public record as uh organizations and municipalities across the country are doing. Otherwise, if they have their way and if industry
002has their way with the bills that are being fasttracked through Congress, they will strip all local control from Ashland. We now have a 500 foot setback in our zoning code saying you can't put a cell tower within 500 ft of our houses or near our schools. And if these laws get passed and if the FCC docket comes forward, then we will lose all control. we won't be able to say there's no gap in coverage. Anything that we have put in our provisions will be taken away from us. So, Children's Health Defense and others have put together a letter that you can review and decide if it's to your liking and then please enter something this month into the public record with the FCC. The second item I would like to discuss is one I've mentioned
003previously and that's out in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Verizon put a cell tower on top of the Shacktown neighborhood and it made 17 children and adults so sick that after investigating over the course of more than a year, their board of health determined by talking to doctors, by talking to scientists, by doing a true investigation, even talking to industry, that their homes were no longer habitable. Some have already died. Others are suffering extensive harm because of that cell tower. They asked Verizon to come to the table. At the 11th hour, Verizon sued instead. They put an injunction against their board of health. The board of health went to their town and asked for the financial resources to take this to court to empower them to bring those families safely back into their homes. and their mayor and
004their city solicitor bullied their board of health and would not provide them with the funding to protect the citizens. What happens is the industry comes in and they say that oh the FCC preempts this there's nothing you can do. What we now have a Supreme Judicial Court case in Massachusetts is saying that no, when there is a nuisance in the community, it is the legal and police duty of the board of health to protect those citizens and the environment and get rid of that nuisance. So, there was a hearing on the 3 of December and they will review this case and hopefully report out next spring. What's pertinent to you especially is that the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards through Cheryl Sabara submitted an amicus brief on behalf of the citizens of Pittsfield because they
005too have done their due diligence and they know how harmful wireless radiation is. And they were there at the Supreme Judicial Court case, Mike, Hugo and Cheryl. and we are hoping that we will be able to get some some uh might behind what our boards of health are able to do. So, please stay tuned to that. There is also this campaign called light it up for local control because seriously guys, if we don't start speaking up, there's no cavalry coming. They are going to start putting cell towers in your neighborhood and in mine at dangerously dangerously close ranges. In the science, they say they should be at least 500 m or 1,640 ft from anybody. That's where the death curve and the neurotoxicity curve in the science starts to come down. Where children are concerned,
006they say a half a mile distance. And if we don't stop these measures in Congress and in the FCC, we will lose any rights that we have today to protect our communities from this rapid wireless infrastructure buildout. So, I will send I will leave you a couple of paper copies for the record, but I will also send it to you tomorrow and reach out with questions. I can put you in touch with worldleading scientists and doctors. I can put you in touch with the attorneys who have been working on this. Um, and just a fun fact, you may know that the very first board of health president in Massachusetts back in like 1799 was Paul Rivere. And one of the attorneys on this case with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is Paul Rivere III, the
007great great grandson of Paul Rivere. So they stand very firm on what our boards of health should be able to do to protect our communities. So, thank you for your time and I really hope you will seriously talk about entering something into the public record because if we don't speak up, there's no cavalry coming to protect Ashlin. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, CeCe. Well, and thanks for dropping those off and keeping us updated. We'll look at them. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh item three on the agenda, tobacco regulations violation hearing for Main Street Wine and Spirits. And Mr. Goldberg, you are Mr. Goldberg. Hi. Um maybe first Raj, you can just give us a background and then we'll ask Mr. Goldberg to kind of speak to that. >> Sure. Thank you. >>
008Uh Mr. Chair, so uh as I've sent documents to the board, uh this was October 17th, uh 2025. Uh we have a sale to minor violation at the main street wine and spirit. Uh uh this is the first violation in in uh in 3 years from the time we have adopted the new regulation or the statemandated regulation we have currently right uh their last violation was uh in 2020 that was in November with the previous regulation. So this is their first one uh within that three-year time period. uh there was issued a citation of $1,000 according to the regulation and that uh that is being paid since you know and I'll give it to you sir. >> Okay sure. >> Yeah please. >> So if you don't mind I just have >> sure >> I
009can distribute it actually if you give me. >> Thank you. put down on paper some of the steps that I took after I was notified of this violation. And on the second page there, you'll see a lot of green, which uh I'm proud of. So, I Well, first let me start with saying I want to make clear that when I was informed that we sold a pack of cigarettes for MITER, I was quite distraught. I'm sure you can speak to that. And uh also deeply embarrassed. I am not offering any excuse. My employee made a mistake. Kind of made me wonder, you know, how did I fail to recognize that maybe he would be weak or have a weak moment. Still going to try and figure that out. That's introspection. So, it takes years to
010build a reputation, only moments to destroy it. And one such moment, my cashier let his guard down. Perhaps I didn't emphasize often enough or strongly enough the necessity of following through with the IDing process. Not I didn't fire him. He's a good honest employee and at that time it only worked for me for a few months maybe three. But he does know where he stands. When I spoke with him I I was very uh firm saying that another mistake will result in this termination. So, all my employees must take an alcohol server training class, which translates well for tobacco. He did take this class. We had to take it in November, a bunch of us, and he passed. So, I trust and I hope that he will not make this mistake again. And I hope
011it the incident serves to drive home how important it is to do our part in supporting and abiding the tobacco regulations in town. [clears throat] I want you to know, excuse me, that I am serious about adhering to the tobacco regulations. And for over 15 years, and this plays into the second sheet here, I've had uh I've employed the service of a program called the Bars program. They send secret shoppers into my store one to two times a month to test my cashiers for either alcohol or tobacco. And so these sharpers are usually between 21 and 25 years old. They they won't send an underage because this is a private group. The shopper will give the cashier a green card if they do their job. They give them a red card if they don't. This
012particular employee, and I made a couple of little lines there, has received two green cards and zero red cards. It was just unfortunate that this particular time he didn't do his job. And since 2020 two since 2006, the farthest back that the records go, we have had an overall su success rate of 94%. So this year very well and in fact I don't know if you want to look at this or not, but this is since January 1st, 2021. I challenge you to find a red line there. So, we're we're trying and this time we failed. So, in an attempt to limit the possibility of another violation, I decided to return to a policy that I had in place for about four years. Card everyone every time. I feel this is the best way to
013eliminate human error because [snorts] as I got it written down right here, my employees are human and so they can make a mistake. So I try to eliminate that and we've gone back to card everyone every time. So, I've spoken with each and every one of my cashiers again to emphasize how important it is to follow the age verification process completely for both alcohol and tobacco. And I've urged them to call me to the front counter if they feel anxious about doing that or intimidated by any customer who's not cooperating. That's that's what I have to say about what happened. and and I gave you guys a list of some of the steps I've taken and I will answer any questions you have. Thanks, Mr. Goldberg. And this is very helpful to have. I appreciate
014that. Um, one thing I just want to ask, are you aware of the tiered system we have for penalty violations and how that how that works? Okay. >> Um, you've addressed all the questions I would have had. I don't know if you >> I got one. Um, so what what um so you mentioned abuse from the uh from from some of your customers when they get carded and they don't feel like they should be carded. >> Yeah. >> Um like how frequently does that happen? And I guess maybe if you could kind of characterize it a little bit better. Is it is it like clearly old people who just didn't bring their identification or don't feel or just feel put out by having >> people who feel put out or entitled might be a good
015buzz word to use. Um, and that's pretty much it. And if they are older people, come on, look at me. and they get a little upset about that and it would be verbal abuse in that where they would engage in an argument. Thankfully, never physical abuse, but it would just be kind of argumentative and fbombs on the way out the door. Now, since we went back to this policy for uh starting in November, but really strongly starting December 1st, I've been happily surprised at how many people, of course, it's early, haven't really gotten too upset and they're just kind of, "Oh, we're back to that again. Okay, here it is." So maybe uh maybe that's a good thing that they kind of worked all that stuff out before, but at the time where I relaxed
016it back in I think it was April, you know, there was like five, six people in the store at the front counter and this guy was just going off on the cashier. I had to get called up front and you know, it was a customer who I've known for so many years and he hasn't been in since. So >> that's why I relaxed it. But now we're back at it because I I can't take the chance. It's too costly uh for for me to have a cashier fail a thing. >> Thanks. You're you're very welcome. >> Y >> any questions worries? >> I just want to add on sir right like I mean thank you for taking all these steps. You know, I know people I I there was somebody who reached out to me
017has their license canled uh by by a different board of health, right? Because they failed fourth time, you know? So, >> and these these steps are put in by the state, you know, this is a state mandated regulation that came to us, right? Just because earlier when the violations was 100, 200, 300, >> nobody used to care, you know, you know, in this business, right? 100 bucks is nothing, right? they kind of, you know, so that's why I guess the state went so stringent, you know, because they want to control it. >> And I I I know people who have got $5,000 fines or even >> suspension of the permit, you know, period, you know. So >> I don't need that >> again. No, no. I mean, I'm just saying right >> it's we just
018want to make sure you know. >> No, I understand you. You were very clear explaining that to me when you came in and I appreciate that. >> And it's tough for me, trust me, to to come up with a $1,000 ticket. Last year, we have to give a thou 2,000 also to one of our vendors here in Ashland. Yeah. >> So, it's definitely tough for us us as well, but you know, I'm sure >> we have to follow the resolution. >> Absolutely. >> But thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Yeah. Thank you very much. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. And good evening. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> All right. Uh moving on. So this I'm assuming you have had time to look at this list of approvals, right, for licenses and permits.
019So, what we can do is go through this section by section and um I will ask if someone wants to make a motion for each section and then I'm going to abstain from the vote for the animal permits because I have a permit um that's on that list, but we can well actually we can't. So, >> yeah, I was going to wait for um Barbara, but maybe we just do all of them but the animal permit. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I think I will need to abstain from of retail permits. >> Okay. Which >> the all ret Okay. So retail that's the first one, right? >> Okay. >> Mr. Marish, are you are are you in CVS in Ashland? >> No, I just work CVS specialty. >> Then I guess it should be fine. I
020mean I'm not sure, you know, but yeah, I mean that's fine. Then in that case then we we'll be left with. >> Yeah. If we have to revisit one of them, we can re >> Yeah. >> I mean, is there has the next meeting is [snorts] um is it January 6th? >> Yep. >> The only caveat is we have to release the permits, you know, before you know because >> Well, yeah. Can we do um all of them except for CVS >> and then your permit, you know. >> Yeah. So, maybe we just do it that way, >> right? Um, >> and then we can we can let CVS know that's the case, you know, because we have to start leasing the permits. We're sitting on the timeline. >> Okay. So, here, let's do this.
021Um, can I have a motion to approve the 2026 retail food permits of all of the establishments on this list on the agenda with the exception of CVS pharmacy number 1875? Okay. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Uh, hold on. Need to just amend that. Um, uh, and this would be contingent or conditional um on receiving the completed applications for each of these. So, let me uh move. >> Okay. All right. You have a second. >> Okay. Excellent. Um, discussion, you know. Can we vote on that? All in favor? >> I. That's three. Okay. So that is good. So that was you just need to revisit CVS. Okay. Is there a motion to approve conditionally uh providing that permits are uh applications are filled out and submitted appropriately for um approving food establishments
022on the list on the agenda. So, >> okay. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All right. All in favor? >> I three. Let's see here. Do I have a motion for to approve pending completed applications the tobacco licenses for establishments on our list on the agenda? Second. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I got that, Laura. Okay. Can I have a motion to approve pending completed applications of the permits for residential kitchens that are listed on our agenda? >> So moved. >> Okay. Second. Second. >> Okay. All in favor? I three. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to approve the permits pending applications um and other paperwork of septic and hauler permits for the organizations listed on our agenda? >> No move. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Second.
023>> All right. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. Next, uh, can I get a motion to approve the septic installer permits pending applications for the organizations listed on our agenda? All right. All in favor? I. Okay. Good. Um, now we're going to hold off on the animal permits. Is that all right? Or we can just do the minus. Okay. Let's let's do that so we can get everybody's permit. So, can I get um a motion to approve the animal and equin permits um pending applications for all residents on the list on our agenda with the exception of Elizabeth and John Burns? >> Okay. Is there a second? >> All right. All in favor? >> I All right. And next is can I get a motion to approve the external grease trap waiverss pending applications
024for all of the organizations listed on our agenda. >> So move. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All right. All in favor? >> I. >> Okay. That's it for that. All right. Good. Thanks. >> Okay. The next is your agenda Raj health director's agenda. >> Thank you Mr. Chair. Uh so lot going on with our food establishments right now. Right. We have lot of change of ownership. Uh we are dealing with at least uh three or possibly fourth establishment that uh changing owners. Uh the first one is uh pizza mine. Uh that's the for former pizza mine is named Killer Pizza now. Right. I was in front of board last time and Mr. Burman asked me to assist them and I did had inspection at that spot uh after after after the
025meeting. All is well with them you know they submitted everything to us uh by now and they're going renovations you know hopefully soon they'll be able to open you know after passing inspections. The second one is uh Joani67 for formerly Murphy's. You know we we did had some challenges with them. Uh we didn't we don't have a application yet for from them. You know they did some work uh that was possibly without permit you know right now. Uh they have a kind of stop work order from us. uh the building department as well. You know the um we did a joint inspection with uh myself building commissioner you know plumbing inspection inspector gas inspector right they did some work without pulling any permit from them as well you know so we are dealing with that
026currently you know the three new owners of this place now you know >> what was the work >> so not my expertise uh Mr. chair. But uh they did uh remove all the equipment from from the restaurant, you know, that involved some, you know, plumbing and gas work, you know. So, but uh >> so they're putting in new equipment, >> right? You know, and that they have not submitted any documentation, you know, that I did notice that there was a new walk-in cooler that was in the establishment when we went uh to do a inspection, you know. So we are we are working with them but uh again this was a week and a half back when we had the joint inspection but we have not uh heard from them or gotten any paperwork since
027you know till now you know. So we are working with them again lausa loca that's uh before it was 33 diner they are all set with us uh they did apply for a permit uh we are good with them but they are waiting uh on some building inspection you know they was doing some work that was required by the building department so that's what they they are you know once those inspections are completed then they should be going u and the last one is hand to hand to had some uh uh issues with the gas line you know there was some gas leaks right so couple couples of week back right they they was almost closed for 10 days you know so I guess I have sent a note to the board on that you
028know that they was closed but not was not from health reasons right uh but some gas issues and then the gas connection was cut by ever source because of those uh leaks you know so but they're all set now and they've been operating uh with the with the tier three housing training. This was my sixth session that I attended in New Bedford on December 10. Uh so all these trainings that I'm doing is uh is related to the next uh item you know SAP uh 2.0 that I have sent a documentation to the board as well. Right. Uh now this uh was signed into a law by Governor Haley that you know that there are certain requirements from from the state you know uh with board of health regarding trainings you know uh submitting documentations
029of what we are doing every year right in August they ask us to uh documentation you know to that what kind of inspections we doing and all that good stuff and then there going to be requirements right like for our for our inspectors or myself you anybody that you know that we do have certain credentials you know to do our to do do our work you know so that's related to that that I'm doing these trainings you know >> can I ask you a question about that so I read through that after you sent the email out um to get a little bit more familiar I know there was some reporting requirements for the board of health um which has have not started yet right >> yeah so how Can you break down what would
030be the role of the board versus the health department and or is it even worth talking about now because >> oh I'm sorry actually it's not even sorry about that >> and good question Dr. J. So we we've been working with the state you know during this process right we we did had we did submit some standards right currently right uh that we we we have this grants uh under the shared services right there are some requirements when we do those grants or you know even periodically they ask us where we are with the inspections and all that to check right where where the region is in general right so we've been submitting some sort of documentation like you know with our inspections Or there have been times I guess a couple of times the
031the state have asked us specific inspections you know right I mean they just pick and choose like last time if I remember correctly there was a couple of restaurants uh that they have picked up you know to asking us their inspection reports you know to see what we are doing you know but moving with this as this is signed into law now right then we'll be required you know right that >> we do have to submit that now I guess the role is the same, right? It's it's the same thing with health department or board of health, right? like you know we it's generally >> so would that will be something that we whatever is being submitted by the health department will come through the board to >> that is correct right >> sign off
032on or >> I I don't know if there will be sign off requirement but like u like as we I I'm the agent for the board right that I submitted basically submitted it on behalf of the board right [clears throat] so >> like almost any work I do right it's that's how it is treated as right yeah >> that it's that that's why I'm the agent to the board that so >> if I'll be submitting the data or any any performant measure you know that'll be submitted >> from board of health >> right yeah because it it looked like there were like certain um requirements for uh employees um so of the health department versus the board and so but it it sounds like you're on it and if there's anything that we need to
033do you will let us know. >> Absolutely. Sir yes I mean and then there'll be even even for the board members you know there'll be uh there will be some trainings and all that stuff you know that that'll be available through this >> okay >> and the state been doing a lot of work you know that I talked about the software matrix right that >> we'll be possibly getting that's all through this you know all that good stuff that we are getting it from the state you know uh because we have close to $700,000 per year grant right now you know through with nine communities, you know, the [clears throat] Hudson being our lead community and Ashland is part of it. >> So, this is where we're getting all these grants and the resources that
034we are using in on day-to-day basis. >> Right. Right. Okay. >> But and and I'm happy to answer any any more questions if it comes along, you know, but this is new, you know, they're just, you know, rolling it out, you know, >> and we will have more information, you know, coming. So the next one again uh open cop permitting inspectional software. So permitting is going well. Laura is doing a lot of work you know u we uh all our applications are online now right. So the permitting part is doing well but the inspectional software from open go didn't work for us you so um we did spend good amount of time you know helping the team you know to develop that software right but it's it's just tough you know given how complex the
035code is you know and all the citations you know uh it's just navigating that is was even tough for the open gov team so we u with the administrative team right u and duck Scott who's who's leading the open golf thing right now after Mr. Peter Matt Mack left Ashland right so we have decided we're going to not going to be moving forward with our permitting software from open go instead we'll be using what currently we have from relevant right we're going to use it till it's available that we are using uh relevant software right now is under a grant to us again you know uh we have three licenses from relevant that cost around $1,800 a license per year so like that's a cost of $5400 $100 per year, but we are getting that
036paid through a grant, >> right? But hopefully we get that matrix software from from the state, right? That'll be free of cost to to the town, you know, and >> which is separate from open.gov. >> That is correct. >> Okay. So, you're thinking if that works, then you don't even have to worry about using open.gov software. >> Correct. Open gov, right? The the inspectional part of it we won't be using currently, right? Given the challenges we had. So >> and that's not required. You can use whatever works for you. >> That is correct. So matrix when the state is going to provide right. So this is again my understanding right now state is saying that you can use it or not use it. Right. >> But eventually I guess it might be a requirement given
037this is whole thing they're trying to do under SAP 2.0 that they want to see where everybody is. You know the goal is to kind of uniform the health functioning right right now I mean I have seen this is my third municipality right that every municipality health department do things a little different and that's what they want to uniform that hey across the board it's the same you know so I guess that's the goal where they're coming from and then it might that they say you know that hey you have to use it so they have access to the data that we are entering >> right >> so I guess this is where we are Y >> other than that uh we hosted uh the stop stop the bleed training here at town hall our
038public health nurse and did it right we had 16 individuals whom we certified uh as a trained person for stop the bleed we did had a flu clinic uh besides our regular you know Wednesday Thursday clinics for uninsured underinsured uh on December 3rd very low attendance we have just one individual that came came for that. uh so I mean definitely this year you know lot of hesitancy you know with with the vaccines we did see lot of cases in influenza cases this year you know yesterday I had seven influenza cases and today I have two that's for Ashland you know so we do we are seeing increased number of influenza cases and that might be because of decreased number of uh you know vaccinations I don't know Mr. Morris if you guys are seeing the
039same I don't know you know the vaccination part but our numbers are definitely on the lower side you know >> yeah so we we were definitely seeing more co vaccines this year >> I've since companies so >> sure >> see like the full numbers um flu vaccine was consistent with last year >> sure >> um probably down from the year before that, but we're still kind of getting over pandemic and people still really antsy to get vaccinated, >> right, >> for CO. So, um, so more CO this year, but still not like where we'd like to see. >> Got it. I mean we definitely besides our clinics right we did seven uh vaccine clinics like six or seven right with the uh with the Pineh Hill pharmacy that we do clinics with right we we
040have seen decreased number of you know individuals coming for the vaccines you so but yeah any any shots are good right so we'll we'll try some more clinics you know again we do still do Wednesday Thursdays as our routine clinics and was just putting some numbers together. I guess we we are at uh 4,700 plus uh shots you know from the time we started this clinic or four years back three and a half four years back. So yes, so like we do we're heavy on on the vaccines. So with the housing cases, you know, uh there's one uh ongoing case at uh at the Chesnut Police Apartments building 8. You know, that we did get some compliance. Uh I did had a citation of $200 uh uh at the dumpster on on November 25th that
041that they have paid with a serious apartment from last time. You know, the the dumpster issue is kind of looks like it's resolved now, right? So they did move the dumpster to a impervious service as required by the board. Uh instead of keeping the full uh big dumpster right they have gone back to two small dumpsters because they was not able to keep the lid closed you know for the bigger dumpster. So um I've been out uh maybe three or four times from the last time, right? So uh did see the bigger dumpster open two times I went and then I did had a conversation with the management right to resolve it. I guess they went to the smaller dumpsters that so the lids are easier to be closed. The bigger dumpster I guess it's
042not anybody cannot close the lid because it's huge and I guess you know it's it's at a height. So, looks like that uh kind of resolved, but I'll keep an eye, you know. 55 Park Road, Unit D, there so was referred to us by the fire department with some uh sanenetary unsanitary conditions, right? Uh that they took care of it. We had a report, you know, that uh that was done. 49 Cherry Street. This this is another case that was pending and they was in front of board I guess two meetings back, you know, was in court. I uh did have email confirmation from Mr. Robert Jordan today that uh they finally have [snorts] secured the place. They have the possession of the place now and they'll be starting the the uh correction soon. >>
043So that that that's the one where the tenant was leaving >> the tenants out now. >> Yep. So it but we was told that tenon was under eviction order you know and in between you know they have filed some motions you know uh so that's why it took some time you know so I guess uh now I did reach out to him today this afternoon that to asking for the status that he he had mentioned that uh they have the possession of the place now >> 24 conquered street number 10 this was a no heat uh no carbon monoxide detectors that was resolved within 24 hours of the uh required time. So with the disease investigation uh we still have three active uh TV cases that our nurse and myself were working on and I'm
044open to any questions by the board. >> I do just have one question about serious apartment. We talked about a um cement pad being put in. Do the smaller dumpsters require cement pad? That is correct Mr. Morris. So uh what they did you know earlier this dumpster was on on on ground right. So the requirement by the code the housing code is that the dumpster need to be on an imperous surface right. So what they did not on that particular site right uh but they moved the dumpster where where there was like concrete you know or like uh uh impervious service you know so they moved uh it you know uh they did tell me or there were a couple of emails right that given the weather you know was not they was not able
045to put the concrete pad as they was advised that they won't get right any guarantee of you know given given the rather that it will survive, you know. So, but to still comply with the board's order, you know, they moved the dumpster. So, but yes, it was compliant. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Okay. All right. Next agenda item is the consent agenda and I read through the minutes from November 18th and I do have a couple of corrections. So, I'm wondering, let me just pull these up. Sorry. I'm wondering if we should get can can I can we approve them with corrections? Is that okay? Let me just let you know where those are, Laura. Um, this one that's that's November 18th. Yeah. So, okay. So on page three, I don't know, do you have
046it up? on page 304 when we're talking aboutratom and seven hydroxy um in the second paragraph on page three um there in the third sentence it says there is hydroxy metroenine um it should just say metrogenine u and that's that's a big difference Um, and then also, but I could see why you would stick that in there like that, but yeah, it's metroenine without the hydroxy. And then in that same paragraph at the end, there was a discussion um about seven hydroxy metroine being banned in Massachusetts. And yes, it was discussed. Perhaps it was b it was banned. It turned out that that it was it is not banned in Massachusetts, but um I think what should be added in there that what that it was discussed whether or not that was actually true because
047there was a question about that. It's it's stated in here as if it factual, but um in fact, we weren't sure whether or not it was true. So, however you wanted to word that, that's >> um and then one more thing, Lara. So at the the third paragraph on that page um in the last sentence it says I think it was Perry that said he continue to check the stores to ensure that there is no selling of 7 hydroxy metrogenine. It should be the concentrated 7 hydroxy metrogenine because the seven hydroxy is actually allowed. It's just the concentrated stuff is the stuff that that everybody's concerned about. So, um, so that's it. Does that make sense? >> Understood. Yes. >> Anybody else have anything to hydroxy? >> Okay. All right. So therefore, um, does anyone
048want to make a motion to approve the consent agenda as written, which would include the, um, budget 2026 year-to- date budget reports and the meeting minutes from the November 18th, 2025 meeting >> with >> I'm sorry, with the state of corrections. >> I will make such a motion. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Second. >> All right. Any discussion? No. All in favor? >> I. That's three. >> Can I just send it to you for final? >> Yeah, definitely. Yeah. Okay. Um, next discuss future agenda items. I know one of the things that I'd like to have as a separate item is just for us to talk about um how we want to do this meeting in terms of um you know, do we want to continue to make sure we're meeting here in
049person? Will it be um you know, not on Zoom? Um, I kind of like this format that we have now, but you know, that's just my opinion. But just to to bring it up when Ed and Barbara are here, um, so maybe we can get that on the agenda as a separate item, however you want to, you know, title that. Um, just discussion of the uh the meeting format, I guess, >> was the So, I know the state ability hybrid or remote. How long was that extension? >> It's pretty far out. Okay. The >> exact few years. >> Years. Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. Yeah. >> Wait. So, the with the um Well, I mean, we could talk about it then, but just out of curiosity, it for the select board, they have theirs on Zoom
050because obviously there's a ton of participation, right? >> Hybrid. Yeah. >> Hybrid, right? Right. Okay. >> Um Yeah. So, if we can talk about it more for be good. We'll we'll we'll put that as a agenda. >> Okay. Anything else? Do you guys want to add anything future items? >> Approve Jay's animal permit. >> Yeah. Yeah. Right. Approve. Approve the >> CVS. >> NCS. That's right. And then I know that there was the tobacco regulation um thing that we've been talking about. >> Going through again. Is that um So that's um Does it what sunsets after so many years or is there a reason that we are um going through it again? >> So Dr. J there's a lot of stuff going on right like again as with this you know there are lot and
051lot of new products you know flavored products and different stuff. So what communities are doing adding more definitions into it right or all that stuff right so I guess uh Framingham recently uh did you know some lot of other flavoring products are coming that they're kind of hiding the flavor and you know >> u some some stuff you know so like what we was looking at is you know changing >> some definitions like or tweaking it you know adding a little more clarity to where we stand on that. You know that that was the update and then when the whole thing with the nicotine free generation started then we want to make sure you know when we change the regulation we change it together you know because even if for any reason if you know
052the board or the town go with that then we have to change it again you know so >> right >> so that that's why it's >> uh >> that's why we took it off you know just like till we settled that you know and then we had our well regulation also that we need to look that you know that we might want to revise that you know. >> Okay. >> Only other item I can think of right now with the functioning is like uh but we might have a variance request uh for for a food permit uh in front of the board maybe next time you know so that we're currently reviewing from one of our establishments. >> Okay. >> Anything else? >> So we're pushing the discussion until Uh that's what I think would
053be wise um to hold off and you know the last time I looked they it was I think it was the day after we talked about it or that it was on Raj's agenda and the state um had a date that they were going to take that up and did not. So I think it's going to be pushed off to 2026. um we can discuss it um if the board wants to talk about it. Um, I just think that ultimately what we're going to come down to is, you know, what is the state going to do? And, you know, can they give us a directive? Because I, you know, um, if in in my opinion, I think as long as those concentrated products are not being sold in Ashland, we don't have a lot to
054be concerned about, but we don't have anything in um, regulations that prevent that from being sold. So, that's that you know we thought made sense then yeah we'd have to talk about it >> I know we don't have anything do we want to so somebody is selling what we uh well I guess that's what we should talk about yeah so maybe we put that back on the agenda I mean I know I did send out a review kind of like a review article type of thing that has a lot of stuff in there and I you know, tell you a little bit more about what I know and it'd be interesting to see what Ed hears from the law enforcement side of things. >> Sure. >> Um, so yeah, maybe put that on the agenda.
055We'll just have like an open discussion about what's what. >> Sure. And only thing I want to add from my side, Dr. Dr. Uh we did find one of our vendors right was using uh was selling one of the products right where was part of a kind of a you know drink right that we we have told them to take it out you know because now it cannot be added to a food product you know that with the within the food code is not allowed so like that we have told them to take it off from the shelves. So was that the blue bottle? >> That is correct. >> Okay. So is that um is that that's considered a food product >> that if if it is a drinkable you know sold at a retail
056establishment that way then according to the food code right or food code you you cannot do it. It can be like the food is nothing nothing is allowed you know till it's allowed by by the state you know but >> so a lot of people are selling that >> a lot of whatever stores I mean not here in but >> I see that all the time you know myself right like even even with platum you know right like when we see it everywhere you know kind of situation you know like when I say everywhere like you know there's lot of people selling it >> but The food we can definitely control you know if it isn't if it is in a food form. Now if it is in the form of tablets you know or
057leaves right it's it's that's not what we regulate under the food code right >> but now if it is in any any form of drink or you know something like that then we have the ability to to to stop it and meet it you know so >> okay so that but that's not an official um blocking of it right or is it >> if it is in the food s right Like if it is sold sold as a drink, right? Yes. Then we have the ability to to stop it but but the food court, you know, not not from any other angle, right? Like >> Right. But if if that if that chemical was removed from that product, >> then they can they can sell it. So, >> right. So if that is how we're
058going to proceed then um you know that because that that chemical itself is actually not it's not the the chemical that is of concern to people not at that concentration. >> So I think we just need to to talk about you know is that something that we want to do. >> Sure. >> Um and then you can enlighten us about the food code and then you know maybe it makes sense or maybe you know because I wouldn't want to something that isn't consistent with what we may do down the line someday. So if we're okay with, you know, a certain product in a pill form having the same amount of seven hydroxy metadatraine as it in that drink, but we only choose to ban um the sale of that drink and not the pills um
059or tea bags, then you know, I just I just think that we should hash out, you know, continue to do whatever you're doing, but I think that we should hash out for now um on an agenda item, you know, what what that actually means. >> Sure. Absolutely. I mean, I agree with you, sir. You know, they they come up with different stuff, right? Like I mean, but what we control again, you know, like food is what we control because that's that's what we give them the permit, right? Right. >> Again, gray area when they're selling it in different styles, right? And >> and then there are there are a lot of other products right now in the market that way, you know? So, >> right. It's just that if Are we worried about that chemical?
060If we're not worried about it, then just taking it out, you know, preventing somebody from selling that drink is like we're looking for reasons to, you know, to stop them from doing that. And I just, you know, >> don't know that the issue that whether we are or we aren't worried about it. I think everybody here is concerned about it. I think part of what Raj is addressing, but we have the power to say no to something we don't currently have the power to say no to. >> Sorry. Um, what I was just saying is that um, uh, I think part of the issue is not whether we're okay with it or not. I don't think that that's necessarily what the board is is only addressing. It's also what we have the power to if
061if if we're not okay with it, then we still may not have the power to do anything about it. >> Correct. Correct. So, >> unless it's in a food form, in which case we do have that power. >> Right. So I think the discussion has to be what are we okay with and what where is the line where are we when are we not okay with it. So and then once we establish that then we can determine whether or not that makes sense. >> Right. Again like like from my perspective it's kind of a >> our a liability right to if if it is in a food form that we need to address it you know like for and for any other matter too right like I mean any other you know even cannabis in
062you know in the food right like I mean that has started too that you know we have seen in the field right >> people selling it that way or any other product you know like but if it if they're adding it to the food like lot of these gummies now coming you know placed with these products, right? That we we have the control over, right? Uh per per food code, you know, that we can do it, >> right? >> There are certain items again, you know, is sitting in that gray area like leaves, you know, that are not not food, you know, or not tobacco or, you know, stuff like that, you know. So, but I mean yes, we should definitely have a discussion, you know, but >> it it sounds like it would be
063a worthwhile discussion to have both for the members of the board, but also even perhaps for the community to know not just, you know, that this is an area of concern, but also what the limits of our power are, >> right? >> And um why, for example, they might go in and see certain things on the shelf, but not other things. you know there are reasons and and uh I'll admit that I'm not completely clear on all the reasons. >> Yeah. So okay then obviously this makes sense to talk about so we can do that. Is there anything else that anybody can think of that you'd like to see on the agenda? >> Those are probably the big things. Yeah. >> Okay. >> That's it. >> All right. Um, if that is it, we'll just
064move on to the last item, which is next meeting date. So, it looks like we've got it scheduled for January 6th and January 20th. Um, are we going to do the January 6th one same way? That be the plan. >> Okay. And then maybe on that agenda, we can talk about going forward how to the format that we want to use that we want to try to use. >> Um, okay. And last item. Um, can I get a motion to adjurnn the meeting? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Okay. Is there a second? Second. All right. All in favor? I. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.